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Electronic Arts completes $55bn acquisition; CEO announces senior leadership changes
Electronic Arts has completed its $55 billion leveraged buyout, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund now the majority owner. As EA becomes a private company, stockholders will receive $210 per share. CEO Andrew Wilson announced senior leadership changes, appointing Cam Weber as chief studios officer and David Tinson as COO and company presidents.
Wizards of the Coast president John Hight is stepping down
John Hight, president of Wizards of the Coast and former executive producer of World of Warcraft, is stepping down from his role. He will transition to an advisory position with Hasbro, the parent company, until September 1, continuing to receive his salary and a bonus for fiscal year 2026. Hight has overseen the Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons franchises, as well as the digital gaming division, during a period that saw several game cancellations and layoffs.
Subnautica 2 Developer's Entire Staff Get Their Bonuses After Krafton Agrees to Settlement, but CEO Steps Down
Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica 2, will pay out all staff bonuses following a settlement reached between parent company Krafton and studio leadership. The settlement ensures employees receive their bonuses, though the CEO has stepped down.
Former Destiny 2 writer says "it turns out the real Destiny killer" was CEO Pete Parsons as players pray for…
Former Bungie writer Robert Brookes and community members are criticizing former CEO Pete Parsons following Bungie's announcement that Destiny 2 is ending active development. Brookes, who was laid off in July 2024, highlighted Parsons' departure and large payouts amidst studio cuts. The article also touches on Sony's financial impairment loss related to Bungie and player reactions to the news.
Jobs roundup: May 2026 | Two Point Studios appoints Jo Koehler as COO
This article rounds up recent executive appointments and transitions within the gaming industry. Jo Koehler has been promoted to COO at Two Point Studios, Joshua Yguado is stepping down as CEO of Jam City, and Alset Studio has expanded its leadership team with several new appointments. Other notable moves include Ed Nightingale's promotion at Premier PR and Daniela Pietrosanu joining Electronic Arts.
Longtime Mario developer Takashi Tezuka retiring as executive officer from Nintendo
Takashi Tezuka, a long-time developer for Nintendo and a key figure in the Super Mario series, is retiring from his role as an executive officer. The announcement was made as part of Nintendo's financial results. It remains unclear if Tezuka will continue with the company in a different capacity.
Engadget Podcast: Tim Cook’s Apple era and what lies ahead for John Ternus
Tim Cook will step down as CEO of Apple on September 1, with John Ternus, currently SVP of hardware engineering, set to take over. The podcast episode discusses Cook's legacy and speculates on how Ternus's product and engineering background might influence future Apple products. Other topics briefly touched upon include Palantir's recent manifesto, facial recognition for ICE, PC market trends, Meta's ad lawsuit and employee monitoring, and a price change for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Reed Hastings is leaving Netflix after 29 years
Netflix co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings is stepping down from the company's board in June after 29 years. Hastings, who co-founded Netflix as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997 and led its transformation into a global streaming giant, will focus on philanthropy and other ventures. Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos will continue in their leadership roles.
Gabe Newell stepped back from game design during Portal 2's development, because 'he always wanted to be part of the team, but being Gabe and being in his position, that never really worked'
Valve CEO Gabe Newell stepped back from active game design during the development of Portal 2 because his position made it difficult to be a collaborative team member. While he was involved in earlier titles like Half-Life and spearheaded acquisitions, Newell realized his presence could stifle developer creativity. He now focuses on higher-level company strategy and other ventures.
Another longtime Microsoft executive is retiring
Rajesh Jha, Microsoft's head of Experiences + Devices, is retiring after over 35 years with the company. Jha oversaw key products like Windows, Office, and Teams. His departure follows other high-profile exits from Microsoft, including Xbox chief Phil Spencer and his successor Sarah Bond. Four members of Jha's team will be promoted to executive vice president roles reporting directly to CEO Satya Nadella.
Despite likening new Xbox head's job to a "palliative care doctor", original co-creator doesn't actually think Xbox is dead
Original Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley clarified that he does not believe Xbox is dead, despite recent comments likening the new Xbox head's role to a "palliative care doctor." Blackley expressed his deep affection for Xbox and stated that while the company is struggling, progress requires realism and introspection. The article also notes recent leadership changes at Microsoft, including Asha Sharma taking over from Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond's departure.
Phil Spencer’s Retirement “was not planned”, Says Greg Miller
Speculation suggests that Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond's departures from Xbox were not planned retirements but potentially forced exits. Greg Miller reported insider information contradicting Microsoft's official narrative that Spencer planned his retirement last year, suggesting the timing disrupts Xbox's 25th-anniversary plans.
Remedy appoints former EA VP Jean-Charles Gaudechon as new CEO
Remedy Entertainment has appointed former Electronic Arts executive Jean-Charles Gaudechon as its new CEO, effective March 1. Gaudechon, who has over 20 years of experience in the gaming industry, will succeed interim CEO Markus Mäki. He aims to strengthen Remedy's independence and drive profitable growth through self-publishing.
